Hand-Held Device For Mounting And Wirelessly Triggering A Camera

ABSTRACT

Mounting and triggering mechanisms for first person actuation of a camera by an internally mounted remote camera actuator in the form of a handle grip are disclosed for use in any applicable activity, without limitation, such as sporting, recreational, documentary filmmaking and/or photography, or the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.provisional application No. 61/957,442, filed Jul. 2, 2013 and entitled“Hand-held device for Mounting and Triggering a Camera Via AttachedRemote Camera Actuator,” to U.S. provisional application No. 61/895,939,filed Oct. 25, 3013 and entitled “Board Grip Camera Mount,” and to U.S.provisional application No. 61/991,402, filed May 9, 2014 and entitled“Hand-Held Device for Mounting and Triggering a Camera Via AttachedRemote Camera Actuator.” The disclosure of each of these applications isincorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates to mounting and/ortriggering systems, methods, etc. that can enable first person actuationof a camera via a wireless remote control device.

BACKGROUND

Challenges associated with conveniently and comfortably composingdesired images within the field of hand-held photography have existednearly since the advent of the hand-held camera. Often, the shape of thecamera and positioning of the shutter actuator button (e.g. a capturebutton as it is referred to herein) and/or other camera controls are notconveniently located for certain applications. For this reason (amongpotential others), manufacturers of digital cameras have producedsecondary remote control devices that can support functions such astriggering, toggling the camera between image recording modes, etc. viaa wireless signal, such as for example a WI-FI® signal, an infraredsignal, a Bluetooth signal, etc.). A remote control device generallyprovides more options for the user to actuate a camera. However, usingcurrently available approaches, a user is generally required to use bothhands (e.g. one to hold the camera and one to hold and actuate theremote device), which inherently limits the user's ability to engage incertain activities safely or practically. Another potential challengewith currently available approaches to triggering a camera is theinability to do so while the camera is extended away from the user, forexample by a boom or extension attachment for achieving differentdesired viewing perspectives. This issue can be particularly problematicwhen attempting to capture precise still images while the camera isattached to such an extension away from the user such that the user isunable to easily press the shutter release button. As modern digitalcameras do not generally include a mechanical shutter, the term “capturebutton” is used throughout to generally refer to a button or controlthat causes a camera to capture one or more still photographic imagesand/or to begin or stop recording a video and/or audio stream. Inaddition, the capture button in many cameras and accompanying camerahousings are often difficult to press without resulting in shaky andmisframed images when used in fast paced image capturing situations suchas sporting activities.

Given these challenges and potentially others within the field ofhand-held photography, many participants choose not to attempt capturingsuch images due to the limited ability to achieve the desired imagessafely and conveniently in many situations.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the current subject matter can provide systems, methods,articles of manufacture, and the like that enable manipulation of acamera and actuation of a remote control device using a single hand.

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a hand-held device configured to beheld in a hand, a first mounting feature for connecting at least onecamera component to the hand-held device, and a second mounting featurefor integrating a remote control device for wirelessly operating acamera with the hand-held device. The apparatus further includes anactuation control that, when operated by a finger of the hand in whichthe hand-held device is held, causes a capture button on the remotecontrol device to be actuated to cause the camera to capture one or morephotographs or to stop or start capturing video and/or audio footage.

In an interrelated aspect, a method includes connecting at least onecamera component to a hand-held device configured to be held in a user'shand using a first mating feature. The hand-held device also includes asecond mounting feature that integrates a remote control device forwirelessly operating a camera with the hand-held device. The methodfurther includes holding the hand-held device in the user's hand andoperating an actuation control by a finger of the user's hand. Theoperating causes a capture button on the remote control device to beactuated to cause the camera to capture one or more photographs or tostop or start capturing video and/or audio footage.

In another interrelated aspect, a connector system includes a socketstructure on a first apparatus to be joined to a second apparatus. Thesocket structure includes a retaining piece, which includes opposinginner locking portions that are disposed approximately orthogonally toan axis of the socket structure. The connector system also includes amating post on the second apparatus. The mating post includes side slotsalong two opposing sides of the mating post. The side slots on themating post fixably engage with the inner locking portions of theretaining piece when the mating post is inserted into the socketstructure at least approximately in parallel to the axis of the socketstructure and the second apparatus is subsequently rotated from aninsertion orientation to a locked orientation.

In yet another interrelated aspect, a method of joining a firstapparatus to a second apparatus includes inserting a mating post on thesecond apparatus into a socket structure on the first apparatus in adirection parallel to an axis of the socket structure. The mating postincludes side slots along two opposing sides of the mating post, and thesocket structure includes a retaining piece, which includes opposinginner locking portions that are disposed approximately orthogonally tothe axis of the socket structure. The method also includes rotating thesecond apparatus relative to the first apparatus from an insertionorientation to a locked orientation subsequent to the inserting. Therotating causes the side slots on the mating post to fixably engage withthe inner locking portions of the retaining piece.

In some variations one or more of the following features can optionallybe included in any feasible combination. The camera can include a GoPro®camera. The first mounting feature can include a socket structure on thehand-held device (e.g. the first apparatus) and a mating post on the atleast one camera component (e.g. the second apparatus). The socketstructure can include a retaining piece, which can include opposinginner locking portions that are disposed approximately orthogonally toan axis of the socket structure. The mating post can include side slotsalong two opposing sides of the mating post. The side slots on themating post can fixably engage with the inner locking portions of theretaining piece when the mating post is inserted into the socketstructure at least approximately in parallel to the axis of the socketstructure and the at least one camera component is subsequently rotatedfrom an insertion orientation to a locked orientation. The hand-helddevice further can include one or more grooves on a first surface intowhich the socket structure is set. The at least one camera component caninclude one or more guide pins on a second surface that comes intocontact with the first surface when the hand-held device and the atleast one camera component are connected. The one or more guide pins canslide within the one or more grooves as the at least one cameracomponent is rotated from the insertion orientation to a lockedorientation. The one or more guide pins and the one or more grooves cancooperate to restrain an angle of rotation of the at least one cameracomponent relative to the hand-held device to a locking angle.

The first mounting feature further can include a locking bar configuredto restrict rotation of the at least one camera component from thelocked orientation to the insertion orientation unless the locking baris manipulated to disengage a locking feature on the locking bar from alocking receiving feature on the hand-held device. The first mountingfeature can allow two opposite orientations of the at least one cameracomponent relative to the hand-held device. The at least one cameracomponent can include the camera. The at least one camera component canalternatively or in addition include at least one of a camera boom, aside grip, a suitcase grip, and a pole device.

The second mounting feature for integrating the remote control devicecan include a remote control compartment accessible by a hinged door ona side of the hand-held device. The remote control compartment can besized and shaped to accept the remote control device. The secondmounting feature for integrating the remote control device can include aretaining clip disposed at an end of the hand-held device that securesthe remote control device with a front. The second mounting feature forintegrating the remote control device can include computer circuitrythat implements the remote control device functionality as part of thehand-held device. The second mounting feature can include a recess orclip that positions and orients the remote control device such that auser can directly press the capture button on the remote control device.

The actuation control can include a trigger button configured to bepressed by an index finger of the hand in which the hand-held device isconfigured to be held. The actuation control further can include amechanical arm that is deflected or moved upon the trigger button beingdepressed. The mechanical arm can press the capture button on the remotecontrol device.

In still another interrelated aspect, a system includes a grip padconfigured to attach to a top surface of a sports board, a pad mountintegrated with the grip pad, and one or more mounting mechanismsassociated with the mounting cavity. The pad mount includes a mountingcavity sized and adapted to receive a camera boom, and the camera boomis configured to support a camera at an opposite end of the camera boomfrom a first end received by the mounting cavity. The one or moremounting mechanisms are configured to fixedly mount the camera boom to atop surface of the sports board. A method can include use of such asystem to support a camera on a sports board.

In some variations one or more of the following features can optionallybe included in any feasible combination. The system further can includea preferred breakaway point. The preferred breakaway point can bestructurally weaker than a remainder of the camera boom such thatbreakage of the boom under effects of an impact, compressive, orexpansive force greater than a threshold amount of force occurs at thepreferred breakaway point. The system further can include a spacer partthat includes the preferred breakaway point. The spacer part can beconfigured to extend the camera boom at the first end and to be receivedin the mounting cavity. The system further can include a leash or tieretainer. The leash or tie retainer can be configured to be axiallyretained between the spacer part and the camera boom such that a loop onthe leash or tie retainer is available to receive a first end of aflexible connector having a second end secured to one or more of thesports board, the grip pad, and the user.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter describedherein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the descriptionbelow. Other features and advantages of the subject matter describedherein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from theclaims. While certain features of the currently disclosed subject matterare described for illustrative purposes in relation to an enterpriseresource software system or other business software solution orarchitecture, it should be readily understood that such features are notintended to be limiting. The claims that follow this disclosure areintended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matterdisclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain someof the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In thedrawings,

FIG. 1 shows a lateral view of a hand-held device having a securedremote control device and an attached camera consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter;

FIG. 2 shows a second lateral view of a hand-held device having asecured remote control device and an attached camera directed in anopposite direction from the assembly shown in FIG. 1 consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter;

FIG. 3 shows a lateral view of a hand-held device consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter with no camera mounted;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a hand-held device consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter with no camera mounted;

FIG. 5 shows a view of a first mounting feature that includes a clipattachment mount for a boom extension;

FIG. 6 shows a lateral internal view of a hand-held device consistentwith implementations of the current subject matter with no cameraattached;

FIG. 7 shows two lateral views of a hand-held device consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter with adjustable lengthboom extensions;

FIG. 8 through FIG. 13 show various views illustrating features of ahand-held device consistent with implementations of the current subjectmatter;

FIG. 14 through FIG. 18 show various views illustrating mountingfeatures for connecting a hand-held device to a camera and/or othercomponent consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

FIG. 19 through FIG. 24 show various views illustrating features of aside grip device for connecting a hand-held device to a camera and/orother components consistent with implementations of the current subjectmatter;

FIG. 25A through FIG. 31 show various views illustrating features of asuitcase grip device for connecting a hand-held device to a cameraand/or other components consistent with implementations of the currentsubject matter;

FIG. 32A through FIG. 35B show various views illustrating features of anextension boom for connecting a hand-held device to a camera and/orother components consistent with implementations of the current subjectmatter;

FIG. 33 through FIG. 41 show various views illustrating features of apole device for connecting to hand-held device, a camera, and/or othercomponents consistent with implementations of the current subjectmatter;

FIG. 42 through FIG. 44 show various views illustrating features of aretaining piece for use in a socket and post mounting configurationconsistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

FIG. 45A and FIG. 45B show various views of additional connectors thatcan be used in implementations of the current subject matter;

FIG. 46A and FIG. 46B show process flow charts illustrating features ofmethods consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

FIGS. 47A-47C show various views of a board grip camera mount consistentwith implementations of the current subject matter;

FIG. 48A and FIG. 48B show views illustrating implementations of a boardgrip camera mount mounted to a board;

FIG. 49A and FIG. 49B show assembled and exploded views, respectively,of an implementation of a board grip camera mount;

FIG. 50 shows a mounting mechanism for mounting a camera on a cameraboom, in accordance with implementations described herein;

FIG. 51 shows a view of an alternative shape of a board grip cameramount;

FIG. 52 shows another mounting mechanism for mounting a camera on acamera boom; and

FIG. 53A and FIG. 53B show views of a breakaway connector configured foruse with a board mount consistent with implementations of the currentsubject matter.

When practical, similar reference numbers denote similar structures,features, or elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A non-limiting example of a camera that enables users to record stillphotographic images, video, audio, and the like, in particular inenvironments where motion, activity, etc. of one or more of the subjectand the photographer can make action photography with conventionalequipment difficult or even dangerous is the Hero® line and other GoPro®cameras available from GoPro, Inc. of San Mateo, Calif. For ease ofdescription herein, the term camera will be understood to refer to anytype of camera that can be feasibly used in conjunction with thedescriptions provided or their equivalents. The approaches discussed anddescribed herein are understood to be applicable to any image-capturingdevice, including those suitable for capturing either or both of stillphotographs and video. One advantage of many possible using approachesdiscussed herein is the ability to, with a single hand, both actuate acamera via an remote control device and also secure the camera in adesired position, direction, etc. For many motion-related activities inwhich users attempt to capture photographs or video, use of more thanone hand for steadying and actuating a camera is not desirable.

The current subject matter also includes various mounting configurationoptions associated with a hand-held device or other arrangements forsecuring and orienting a camera to provide a user with additional camerapositioning options and freedom to capture desired imagery duringvarious activities. Consistent with some implementations of the currentsubject matter, a hand-held device can be configured for mounting acamera to a part of the hand-held device. The hand-held device canfurther include or be configured to include integrated wireless remotecontrol functionality. As discussed in further detail below, theintegrated functionality can optionally include one or more structuresor features that allow a separate remote control device to be secured toor within the hand-held device and activated by a user using a singlehand that is also used to hold the hand-held device. In othervariations, the integrated functionality can include electronics orother hardware integrated into the hand-held device to provide remotecontrol functions, which can be activated by a user with a single handthat holds the hand-held component to which a camera is mounted. Systemsand methods consistent with the disclosed subject matter can be suitablefor use during a variety of activities during which a user wishes torecord video, audio, and/or photographic documentation, for example teamor individual sports, recreational or documentary filmmaking, nature orwilderness video or photography, or the like.

FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 illustrate features of some example configurationsconsistent with an implementation of the current subject matter. Ingeneral, a hand-held device 100 can include one or more securingstructures configured to allow connections to one or more of a camera102, an additional supporting structure, a lighting or sound collectiondevice, another peripheral device that can be advantageously used inassociation with a camera, and the like. The hand-held device 100 caninclude or be configured to receive a first mounting feature formounting a camera 102 (optionally to optionally to an upper end of thehand-held device 100) and a second mounting feature for mounting aremote control device 104 suitable for sending commands wirelessly tothe mounted camera. The first mounting feature is configured formounting or securing a camera. The second mounting feature can beconfigured for attaching, housing, etc. the remote control device 104,and is discussed in greater detail below. Also discussed in greaterdetail below is a third mounting feature that can permit attachment ofperipheral devices such as lights, microphones or other audio equipment,a retention leash or other strap, other support or positioning devices,etc.

The hand-held device 100 can include an actuation control 106 (e.g. atrigger as shown in FIG. 1 or some other button or control or otheroptions discussed herein or otherwise consistent with the currentdisclosure). The actuation control can in some implementations beconfigured to activate one or more mechanical, electrical, etc. featuresto react to a user pressing the actuation control 106 by actuating acapture button 140 on the remote control device 104 (see FIG. 2) securedto or within the hand-held device 100 by the second mounting feature.The actuation control can be positioned such that a user holding thehand-held device 100 using a grip 118, which can optionally be atextured grip 118, of the hand-held device 100 can conveniently operatethe actuation control 106 without changing how the grip 118 is held inthe user's hand. The textured grip 118 can optionally be part of anexternal floating component 120, for example one made of a differentmaterial than a body of the hand-held device 100.

In various implementations of the current subject matter, the camera 102can be positioned facing forwards, backwards, sideways, and/or at anyposition in-between relative to a natural orientation of the hand-helddevice 100. In other words, in examples in which a shape of at least thegrip 118 of the hand-held device 100 is ergonomically shaped to be heldin a user's hand (e.g. optionally resembling a pistol grip), a naturalorientation of the hand-held device 100 can refer to one in which a userwould comfortably hold the grip 118 in a hand.

The first mounting feature can also optionally include a pivoting jointor other connector feature to allow the user to rotate the camera 102upwards or downwards (e.g. about one or more axis) relative to anorientation of the hand-held device 100, and to secure the camera 102 ata desired position according to the user's preference to capture stillimages and/or video from different angles. The first mounting featurecan optionally secure the camera 102 at a location that is relativelyclose to the grip 118 and actuation control 106 on the hand-held device.Alternatively, and as discussed in greater detail below, the firstmounting feature can include or attach to a spacer (e.g. a boom, anadjustable extension, pole, or some other structure than can include oneor more assembled parts) or other intermediate mounting structure 128configured to allow the user to secure the camera at some chosenposition and angle relative to the grip 118 on the hand-held device 100.

One example of a first mounting feature consistent with implementationsof the current subject matter can include an intermediate mountingstructure 128, such as is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. Theintermediate mounting structure 128 can in some variations be a tripodmounting device, such as for example a GoPro® tripod mount. Anintermediate mounting structure 128 and a mating connector part attachedto or otherwise part of the camera 102 can include one or morecomplementary protrusions and indentations 132 (e.g. a dual protrudingtab and pin system), which can interlock such that a series ofpass-through holes in the mating connector part and the intermediatemounting structure 128 align to allow a pin 130 to pass through them tosecure the mating connector part and the intermediate mounting unit. Inthe example of a GoPro® tripod mount and/or other possibleconfigurations of an intermediate mounting structure 128, an oppositeside of the intermediate mounting unit from the side that includes thefeatures for cooperative connection with the mating connector part onthe camera 102 can include a feature for securely connecting to acamera. For example, a female ¼″-20 threaded connector on 134 theintermediate mounting structure 128 can receive and attach to a male¼″-20 threaded screw connector 114. The threaded screw connector 114 canbe rotated using a thumbwheel (e.g. a finger-tightening knob) 112 whichis connected to the male ¼″-20 threaded screw such that the intermediatemounting structure 128 is held against a surface 110 of the hand-helddevice 100.

FIG. 1 illustrates a lateral (e.g. side) view of a hand-held device 100with a camera 102 attached thereto such that a lens 108 of the camera102 facing forward relative to a direction in which the hand-held device100 is directed when a user holds the hand-held device 100 in a hand.The camera 102 in this example is attached to a first mounting feature,which includes the intermediate mounting structure 128 discussed above,which is in turn connected to the hand-held device 100. In theillustrated example, the intermediate mounting structure 128 includes atleast some features in common with a GoPro® tripod mount. However, itwill be well understood that other variations of an intermediatemounting structure 128 can be included consistent with implementationsof the current subject matter. This lateral view in FIG. 1 also showsthe connection pin 130 and thumbwheel 112 which secure the camera 102 tothe intermediate mounting structure 128 and the intermediate mountingstructure 128 to the hand-held device 100.

The lower portion of the hand-held device 100 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2,and FIG. 3 also includes a second mounting feature that attaches aremote control device 104 at an end (e.g. a base or lower end) of thehand-held device 100 opposite from the end where the first mountingfeature (e.g. the intermediate mounting structure 128) attaches to thehand-held device 100. In this example the second mounting featureincludes a retaining clip 122 that secures the remote control device 104with a front face of the remote control device 104 facing upwards towardthe rest of the hand-held device 100. Beneath the retaining clip 122,the hand-held device 100 can include an accessory mounting component 124and can include a pass-through hole 126 that can permit insertion of aretaining pin (e.g. to secure yet another external mounting surface. Theaccessory mounting component 124 containing a pass-through hole 126 canall be also be used as a connection point for a leash/tether forsecuring the hand-held device 100 and the attached camera 102 to theuser or to some other secure object.

While the example discussed in relation to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6includes an external retaining clip 122 for securing the remote controldevice 104 integral to the hand-held device 100, it will be understoodthat other second mounting feature options are also within the scope ofthe current subject matter. For example, the second mounting feature canoptionally include a compartment, a recess, or the like formed into thehand-held device 100 to receive a remote control device 104.Alternatively, as noted above, the hand-held device 100 can include oneor more electronic components (e.g. computer circuitry) integrated intoits structure that implements the remote control device functionality aspart of the hand-held device (e.g. by providing one or more featurescomparable to those of a separate remote control device 104 that issecured to or within a hand-held device 100. In still otherimplementations of the current subject matter, the second mountingfeature can include a clip, a recess, or the like that holds the remotecontrol device 104 in a position and orientation that allow a userholding the hand-held device 100 to directly press the capture button140 with a finger or thumb of the hand holding the hand-held device 100.For example, the second mounting feature can hold the remote controldevice 104 in association with the hand-held device 100 such that a usercan actuate the capture button with an index finger, with a thumb, orwith any other finger of the hand holding the handheld device 100.

FIG. 2, which shows a lateral view of the hand-held device 100 with asecured remote control device 104 and a camera 102 mounted with the lens108 facing in an opposite (e.g. backward) direction relative to the viewin FIG. 1, also shows a front view of a remote control device 104. Anexample of a remote control device 104 can include a mode viewing screen144, a capture button 140, and a mode or power button 142. A hand-helddevice 100 and/or other structures designed to secure otherconfigurations of a remote control device 104 to or within a hand-helddevice 100 are also within the scope of the current subject matter. FIG.3 shows a lateral view of the hand-held device 100 without the camera102 attached thereto.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a hand-held device 100 with a remote controldevice 104 attached via a retaining clip 122 as also shown in FIG. 1,FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. This top view also shows the thumbwheel 112 which inthis example rotates a ¼″-20 threaded screw 114 as well as the a topsurface 110 of the hand-held device that can include female tab inserts116 for securing a clip attachment mount 132 (e.g. a GoPro® compatibleclip attachment mount) or an intermediate mounting structure 128.

FIG. 5 shows another example of a first mounting feature, which in thisexample includes a clip attachment mount for a boom extension 132. Theclip attachment mount 132 shown includes a cavity 138 to incorporatesupport of a boom as well as a pass-through hole 136 for a male threadedunit 114 to pass through and thereby secure the clip attachment mount132 to the hand-held device 100. The clip attachment mount 132 can alsoinclude male mounting tabs 135 that plug into the corresponding femalemounting tabs 116 shown on hand-held device 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates an internal lateral view of a hand-held device 100with no camera attached and no remote control device 104 attached. Thehand-held device 100 also shows the upper surface 110 for mounting acamera as well as a thumbwheel 112, and a ¼″-20 114. This illustrationalso includes the retaining clip 122, accessory mounting component 124,and pass-through holes 126. This internal lateral view shows one of manypossible mechanisms for securing and triggering a remote control device104. Examples of camera actuation mechanisms include, but are notlimited to: a encased cable actuator, a cam and rod system, agear-driven actuator, a friction pin system, or as illustrated in theexample of FIG. 6, a rod and hinge system. The rod and hinge systemshowed in FIG. 6 functions by tension being put on the actuation control106, which creates motion of several interconnected components that actto press and actuate the capture button 140 on the remote control device104. In FIG. 6, the rod and hinge system includes a hinge point 154, aninitial rod 156, a main shaft rod 148, and a tip 146. Also shown in FIG.6 are rod guides 150 to keep the actuation rod in line with the capturebutton 140 on the remote camera actuator 104. Also shown is an optionalthin gasket 152 which can act as a buffer in between the tip 146 in thecapture button 140 on the remote control device 104 to reduce wear onthe remote control device 104.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lateral view of two separate devices for mountingand triggering a camera 100 with an attached remote control device 104with cameras 102 attached with lenses 108 facing forward and attached byan extension boom 158 at different possible extension lengths. Theextension boom 158 can be constructed of any conceivable material, suchas for example, fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal, plastic, etc. The baseof the extension boom 158 can be secured in place by spinning athumbwheel 112, which in turn links a ¼″-20 screw 114 to a correspondingfemale ¼″-20 thread 134 within a base of the boom extension 158. A clipattachment mount 132 such as is illustrated in FIG. 5 can be locked intoplace by the male protrusions 135 and female indentations 116 discussedabove. The extension boom 158 shown in FIG. 7 can include two shafts, anouter shaft 159 and an inner shaft 162 which locks into place via atwist lock system 160. However a single shaft non-adjustable boom may beused as well. The top portion of the upper shaft 162 may also have amale ¼″-20 screw 114 and female ¼″-20 thread 134 binding point forconnection with a ball head unit 164 and corresponding internalball/camera connection point 166. Alternatively, other connectivestructures can be included at either end of an extension boom and/or anyother structural component configured to attach to a hand-held device100 as discussed herein. In the example of FIG. 7, the ball head unit164 provides a complete 360 degree vertical and lateral mounting optionfor the camera 102 and lens 108 to face any direction.

FIGS. 8 through 45 depict various views of additional features relatingto systems and methods for operating a camera 102 using a hand-helddevice 100 that positions the camera for action (or non-action) photosand videos while also allowing the user to actuate the camera 102 via awireless remote control device 104 with the same hand. The featuresshown can be included in one or more implementations of the currentsubject matter. It will be understood that these examples are merely toillustrate possible configurations, structures, etc., and are notintended to be limiting on the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a hand-held device 100 implementation shapedto have a pistol-type grip 118 around a hollow body configured toenclose a remote control device 104 for a camera 102, which can beattached at an end of the hand-held device 100. In this example and inother views of a similar device that follow and are described below, thesecond mounting feature includes a cavity (e.g. a remote controlcompartment) within a body of the hand-held device 100 that isconfigured to receive a remote control device 104. As depicted, a window802 in the side of the grip 118 can allow for visibility of a screen 144on the remote control device 104. Additionally, a button 804 can beprovided to allow a user to turn the remote control device 104 on oroff, to advance through user interface menus displayed on the remotecontrol device screen 144, etc., for example by actuating or allowingactuation of a mode or power button 142 on the remote control device104. The button 804 can optionally include a simple cutout to allowdirect actuation of a mode or power button 142 (or other button orcontrol) on an remote control device 104 secured within the cavity.Alternatively the button 804 can be moveable or flexible such that useractuation of the button causes a corresponding button on the remotecontrol to be actuated. A hinged door 806 can secure the remote controldevice 104 within the cavity. A pass-through hole 126 can be attached tothe device for mounting and triggering a camera 100 discussed below.Also shown in FIG. 8 is an actuation control 106, which in this exampleresembles a pressable button.

FIG. 9 shows another view of a hand-held device 100 illustrating anexample of a remote control compartment 902 accessible by a hinged door806 on one side of the hand-held device 100. The remote controlcompartment 902 can, but need not, be waterproof, and can optionally besized and shaped to receive a specific size and shape of a remotecontrol device 104. In some implementations of the current subjectmatter, a remote control compartment 902 can have a generic size andshape capable of containing more than one type of remote control device104. In these implementations, one or more spacers, securing pieces,etc. can be included to adapt the remote control compartment 902 toproperly receive a given remote control device 104.

FIG. 10 shows an additional view of a hand-held device 100 with thehinged door 806 of the remote control compartment 902 open. Also visibleare the window 802 to the remote control screen 144 and the button 804discussed above in reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 11 shows another view ofthe hand-held device 100 with the remote control device 104 removed fromthe remote control compartment 902.

FIG. 12 shows a front view with a remote control device 104 positionednext to a hand-held device 100, and FIG. 13 shows a view illustratingadditional features of the remote control compartment 902. In theseviews, parts 1202, 1204 of an actuation mechanism for the capture button140 on the remote control device 104 is visible. An actuation control(e.g. a trigger-like button) 106 on the hinged door 806 can, whenpressed by the user, urge a protrusion 1202 inward toward a mechanicalarm 1204 that is within or in communication with the remote compartment902. The mechanical arm 1204 can thereby be deflected to press thecapture button 140 on the remote control device 104. In this manner, auser holding the hand-held device 100 in a hand can comfortably hold thehand-held device 100 (thereby supporting a camera and/or any devicesattached to the hand-held device 100, such as for example thoseadditional components discussed above and below) and with a finger ofthe same hand actuate the actuation control 106 to cause the capturebutton 140 on the remote control device 104 to be depressed. Doing socan cause a camera controlled by the remote control device 104 to takeone or more photographs, start or stop capturing video and/or audio, orthe like.

FIG. 14 shows an end view of the hand-held device 100 illustratingfeatures of an example first mounting feature receiving structure 1400which can be used to mate the pistol grip 118 to other components of amounting and actuating system consistent with implementations of thecurrent subject matter. As shown, the hand-held device 100 can include asocket structure 1402 at one or optionally both ends. The socketstructure 1402 can include a retaining piece 1404 (optionally metal,described in more detail below) as well as one or more guide channels1406 (two are shown in FIG. 14) for receiving guide pins on a matingstructure of a removable part of the first mounting feature 1400.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a camera 102 attached to another type ofintermediate mounting structure 128 that can form part of a firstmounting feature consistent with implementations of the current subjectmatter. The intermediate mounting structure 128 can optionally includeprotrusions and indentations 132 similar to those discussed above inrelation to FIGS. 1-2 for joining to a camera 102 and/or can optionallyinclude one or more custom or proprietary joining structures and/orgeneric structures for joining to any type of camera. As shown, theintermediate mounting structure 128 also includes a mating post 1504configured to mate with the socket structure 1402 at the end of thehand-held device 100 as shown in FIG. 14. As discussed further below,various components of a first mounting feature receiving structure 1400consistent with implementations of the current subject matter caninclude such connections, either as sockets or mating posts or the like,such that the components of the first mounting feature (e.g. a firstmounting feature receiving structure 1400 and a mating intermediatemounting structure 128) can be assembled and disassembled in differentconfigurations depending on the user's preferences. As shown in FIG. 15,the mating post 1504 can include side slots 1506 that cooperate with theretaining piece 1404 as well as one or more guide pins 1510 thatcooperate with the guide channels 1406 near the socket structure 1402 ona mating surface of the hand-held device 100. In operation, anintermediate mounting structure 128 with a mating post 1504 can bejoined to a first mounting feature receiving structure 1400 with asocket structure 1402 by inserting the mating post 1504 into the socket1402 with the two pieces rotated such that they are aligned atapproximately 90° relative to their final joined orientation. Thisapproach to joining allows the mating post 1504 to slide past theretaining piece 1404 along sides of the mating post 1504 that areeffectively smooth. Rotating of the two joining parts by approximately90° after the mating post 1504 is inserted into the socket 1402 causesthe retaining piece 1404 to slide into the slots 1506 on the mating post1504 to prevent the mating post 1504 from sliding back out of the socket1402. The guide pins 1510 and guide channels 1406 can assist in causingthe rotation to stop at approximately 90° after insertion of the matingpost 1504 into the socket 1402. Socket structure 1402 and mating post1504 connector arrangements such as those discussed here in can supportjoining of the two respective components in either orientation. Forexample, a camera 102 mounted using first mounting feature structuresconsistent with those discussed herein can be oriented to face forwardon a hand-held device 100 and also or alternatively oriented to facebackwards (toward the user) using the same connector.

FIG. 16 shows a view of an opposite end of the hand-held device 100,which can also include a socket structure 1402 similar to that shownpreviously. In FIG. 16, a pass-through hole 126 similar to thosepreviously discussed is also shown as part of another connector 1600that can be joined to the hand-held device 100. This connector 1600 thatincludes the pass-through hole 126 can include on an opposite side fromthe hole 126 a mating post structure 1504 similar to those discussedabove such that it can be joined to any available socket structure 1402,including for example either socket structure 1402 on the hand-helddevice 100, or sockets on any other parts of a multi-component systemconsistent with implementations of the current subject matter.

FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B, and FIG. 16C show views illustrating furtherfeatures that can be included in implementations relating to the socketstructure 1402 and mating post 1504 connector arrangements discussedabove. A locking bar 1620 can be included as part of an intermediatemounting structure 128. The locking bar 1620 can include a part thatprotrudes some distance away form an outer surface of the intermediatemounting structure 128 and/or the hand-held device 100 or otherapparatus that includes the socket structure 1402 for receiving themating post 1504 on the intermediate mounting structure 128. The lockingbar 1602 can include one or more locking features, such as for examplethe bends 1622 shown in the locking bar 1620 of FIG. 16B. These lockingfeatures 1622 can engage with locking receiving features (e.g. arecessed section 1624 as shown in FIG. 16C) when the intermediatemounting structure 128 is oriented in a locked position relative to thehand-held device (or other first apparatus that includes the socketstructure 1402). When the locking features 1622 and locking receivingfeatures 1624 are engaged, rotation of the intermediate mountingstructure 128 (or other second apparatus that includes the mating post1504) relative to the hand-held device 100 (or other first apparatusincluding the socket structure 1402) is restricted. To rotate the twoparts from the locked orientation to the insertion/removal orientationrequires that a user manipulate the locking bar 1620 to cause disengagethe locking features 1622 to disengage from the locking receivingfeatures 1624. In the example of FIGS. 16A-16C, the manipulating of thelocking bar 1620 can include pressing the protruding part in a directionaway from the part having the locking receiving feature(s), which inthis example is the hand-held device 100.

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 show diagrams illustrating additional options forjoining of components, such as a hand-held device 100 and one or more ofa camera 102, an extension pole, a trekking pole, leash tie pieces,handles or bases, etc. In FIG. 17, the connector can include a femaleclip 1700 and an intermediate mounting structure 128 that includes amale clip 1702 joined or capable of being joined to a camera 102 orother device. In FIG. 18, threaded screw 114 and female thread 134connectors, such as for example those based on ¼″-20 threaded connectorscan be used for such connections.

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B show two views of a side grip device 1900, whichcan be used in conjunction with a hand-held device 100 as described anddepicted herein. The side grip device 1900 can include two connectors: afirst having a socket structure 1402, and a second having a mating poststructure 1504. With this structure, a hand-held device 100 as describedherein can be joined to the side grip device 1900 via a socket structure1402 on one end of the hand-held device 100 joining to the mating poststructure 1504 on the side grip device 1900. An intermediate mountingstructure 128, such as for example one discussed previously can bejoined to the side grip device 1900 using the socket structure 1402.With a camera 102 joined to the intermediate mounting structure 128, auser can hold the hand-held device 100 to support the camera 102 in aposition to the side of the hand-held device 100, thereby allowing forthe user to press the camera actuation button 140 on the remote 104 bydepressing the actuation control 106 on the hand-held device 100. Theside grip 1900 can also optionally include a threaded attachment 134 forreceiving a connector of some other device, such as for example a lightor the like.

FIG. 20 shows a view of a side grip 1900 assembled to a hand-held device100 and to a camera 102 attached to an intermediate mounting structure128 as discussed above. At an opposite end of the hand-held device 100,an additional intermediate mounting structure 128 is also attached. Theholes of the intermediate mounting structure 128 can optionally be usedto accept a leash, a tie, etc.

FIG. 21 shows an underside of an intermediate mounting structure 128displayed next to a socket 1402 of a side grip device 1900. The guidepins 1510 on the underside of the intermediate mounting structure 128can be guided by grooves 1406 positioned around the socket 1402 on theside grip 1900 as shown. Also shown in the socket structure 1402 withinthe side grip device 1900 is part of a retaining piece 1404.

FIG. 22 shows a side grip device 1900 arranged with possibleattachments. A hand-held device 100 can be attached to the side gripdevice 1900 as shown. The hand-held device 100 is shown with a possibleattachment, in this case a light 2200, connected via an intermediatemounting structure 128. A camera 102 can be attached to a side gripdevice 1900 via another intermediate mounting structure 128, and a“Gooseneck” attachment 2202 can also be attached via a threadedattachment or other type of attachment. A user can make such any otherarrangements with a side grip device 1900 that can allow the user tohold a hand-held device 100 and actuate a actuation control 106 todepress a capture button 140 on an integrated remote control device 104while supporting additional desired devices with a side grip device1900.

FIG. 23A, FIG. 23B, and FIG. 24 show additional diagrams illustratingother options for connecting components including but not limited tothose discussed herein to a side grip device. For example in FIG. 23A,the side grip device 1900 can include threaded sockets 134 for receiving¼-20 threaded devices and can also include one or more ¼-20 threadedposts 114 for joining to threaded sockets. It will be understood thatwhile the current disclosure discusses ¼″-20 threads, other threaddimensions are within scope of the current subject matter. FIG. 23Bshows a top view of the side grip device 1900 depicted in FIG. 23A.

The side grip device shown in FIG. 24 includes a male clip 1702 and afemale clip 1700 for joining two corresponding clip type connectors onother components of a system consistent with implementations of thecurrent subject.

FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B show to views of a suitcase type grip 2500consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. Asuitcase grip 2500 consistent with this disclosure can allow mounting ofa hand-held device 100 and a camera 102 (or two other components) withthe two pieces oriented at a 90° angle (or other angle, depending on theconfiguration of the suitcase grip 2500) to each other. FIG. 26, FIG.27, and FIG. 28 shows views of a hand-held device 100 and a camera 102connected in this manner. As shown, a user can hold the hand-held device100 with the camera 102 supported by a first intermediate mountingstructure 128 connected to the suitcase grip 2500 in a position belowthe hand-held device 100. This arrangement can allow a user who isriding a snowboard or skateboard, ski, a surfboard, a bicycle, or otherpiece of sporting equipment to support the camera 102 in a forwardfacing manner with his or her hand held in a relatively naturalorientation. In FIG. 28, the hand-held device 100 is assembled with asecond intermediate mounting structure 128 at an opposite end of thehand-held device 100 from an end of the hand-held device 100 connectedto the suitcase connector 2500. The second intermediate mountingstructure 128 can allow connection of a leash or other tie-on device tomitigate the chance of the user losing the camera, grip, etc. if he orshe drops it while performing an active maneuver. The suitcase grip 2500can also optionally include one or more threaded sockets 134 or othertypes of connectors for receiving connection of other types of devices,such as for example lights or the like. FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B showexamples of a suitcase grip assembled with a camera 102, a hand-helddevice 100, a light 2200, a microphone 2900, etc. using variousconnectors.

FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 show examples of suitcase grips 2500 consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter in which alternativeconnecting approaches are used. For example, as discussed above one ormore male clip connectors 1702 or female clip connectors 1700 can beused for joining to the hand-held device 100 and/or a camera 102 orother component as shown in FIG. 30. Alternatively, threaded connectorssuch as threaded sockets 134 and posts 114 can be used in place of themating post 1504 and socket structure 1402 connectors as shown in FIG.31.

FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B show views of an extendable boom 158, which can beconnected to other components of a system consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter. For example, the matingpost connector 1504 at the base 3200 of the extendable boom 158 can bejoined to an end of a hand-held device 100, or alternatively to asuitcase grip 2500 or to a side grip 1500 using one or more of theapproaches described herein for joining components. An opposite end ofthe extendable boom 158 can include a connector 3202 for joining to acamera 102. FIG. 33 shows a magnified view of a mating post connector3200 at a base of an extendable boom 158. FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B showviews of the extendable boom 158 attached to a top end of a hand-helddevice 100. As illustrated in the close-up view of FIG. 34B, the matingsurface 110 of the hand-held device 100 can be formed with a slightangle relative to parallel of approximately 5°. A base of the extendableboom 158 can also have a similar angle. Accordingly, when an extendableboom 158 and the hand-held device 100 are joined in one orientation, theextendable boom 158 can extend effectively directly upward along an axisof the hand-held device 100 (e.g. with a deflection angle ofapproximately 0°). When an extendable boom 158 and the hand-held device100 are joined in an opposite orientation (e.g. with the extendable boomturned 180° relative to the first orientation), the extendable boom 158can extend upward at an angle to the axis of the hand-held device 100.In the example where the angle at the top of the hand-held device 100and that at the base of the extendable boom 158 are both approximately5° relative to an axis of these pieces, they reversed orientation canresult in the extendable boom 158 having a deflection angle from thehand-held device 100 of approximately 10°. Other angles of the top 110of the hand-held device 100 and the base 3200 of the extendable boom 158are also within the scope of the current subject matter.

FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B show examples of alternative joining structuresthat can be used consistent with implementations of the current subjectmatter. For example, as discussed above, male 1702 and female clips 1700can be used, for example with one type of clip at the base 3202 of theextendable boom 158 and the other type of clip configured to meet withthe first type of clip at a top 110 of the pistol grip 118.

FIG. 36 shows a view of a pole device 3600 that can be used inconjunction with a hand-held device 100 consistent with implementationsof the current subject matter. In this example the pole device 3600 canbe a trekking pole, a ski pole, or other type of pole device that a usermight employ while performing one or more activities. At an opposite endof the pole device 3600 to an end configured for contacting the ground,a mating post connector 3202 can be included to allow joining of thisend of the pole device with one or more of the components discussedelsewhere here again. FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 show views of the opposite endof a pole device as discussed.

FIG. 39A and FIG. 39B show two views of a pole device 3600 consistentwith the descriptions above in which the pole device 3600 is joined to ahand-held device 100 and the hand-held device 100 at its opposite end isjoined to an intermediate mounting structure 128 supporting a camera102. In another possible mode of operation, the camera 102 can be joineddirectly to the top of the pole device 3600 while the hand-held device100 is deployed elsewhere. For example, a user could choose to mount acamera 102 at the top of the pole device 3600, and place the pole device3600 in a position to support the camera 102 to capture images or videoof the user. The user could then use the hand-held device to activatethe remote control device 104 to cause the camera 102 to operate asdesired.

As discussed above other connectors besides the mating post 1504 andsocket structure 1402 are also within the scope of the current subjectmatter. FIG. 40 shows a diagram illustrating a connector 3202 with athreaded screw 114 at the top of a pole device 3600 as discussed, andFIG. 41 shows an example of a male and female clip connector arrangementthat can be used with a pole device.

FIG. 42 shows a close-up of a retaining piece 1404 consistent withimplementations of the current subject matter. The retaining piece 1404can be formed of metal, or metal wire, or the like. Alternatively, othermaterials capable of resilient deformation can be used in forming theretaining piece 1404. As discussed above, the retaining piece 1404 cansit within a socket structure 1402 of a first apparatus, such as thosediscussed above. A mating post 1504 on a second apparatus can haveopposite sides that are relatively smooth such that they can slide pastthe at least approximately straight inner locking portions 4202 of theretaining piece 1404. When the mating post 1504 is rotated by some angle(e.g. 90°) after insertion into the socket structure 1402 (e.g. from aninsertion orientation to a locked orientation), the inner lockingportions 4202 of the retaining piece 1404 can come into collaborativecontact (e.g. can fixably engage) with slots 1506 on other sides of themating post 1504 such that the mating post 1504 cannot be removed fromthe socket structure 1402 without rotating the mating post back to theinsertion orientation. The inner locking portions 4202 can be positionedsuch that they sit in a plane that is at least approximately orthogonalto an axis of the socket structure 1402 (e.g. an axis to which themovement of the mating post 1504 into and out of the socket structure isat least approximately parallel).

FIG. 43 shows a close-up view of a mating post 1504 and socket structure1402. FIG. 44 shows a cut-away view illustrating positioning of theretaining piece 1404 within a socket structure 1402.

It should be noted that other types of connectors 4500, both proprietaryand generic, can be used in association with the components of a cameramounting and actuation system 100 as described herein. FIG. 45A and FIG.45B show examples of such connectors.

FIG. 46A shows a process flow chart 4600 illustrating features of amethod consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. Itwill be understood that all features shown and discussed in reference toFIG. 46A may not be required in every implementation. At 4602, at leastone camera component is connected to a hand-held device configured to beheld in a user's hand. The hand-held device further includes a secondmounting feature that integrates a remote control device for wirelesslyoperating a camera with the hand-held device. The hand-held device isheld in the user's hand at 4604. Operating an actuation control by afinger of the user's hand at 4606 causes a capture button 140 on theremote control device to be actuated to cause the camera to capture oneor more photographs or to stop or start capturing video and/or audiofootage.

FIG. 46B shows a process flow chart 4650 illustrating features of amethod consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. Itwill be understood that all features shown and discussed in reference toFIG. 46B may not be required in every implementation. At 4652, a matingpost on a second apparatus (which can be an intermediate mountingstructure 128) is inserted into a socket structure on a first apparatus(e.g. a hand-held device 100) in a direction parallel to an axis of thesocket structure. The mating post includes side slots along two opposingsides of the mating post, and the socket structure includes a retainingpiece. The retaining piece includes opposing inner locking portions thatare disposed approximately orthogonally to the axis of the socketstructure. At 4654, the second apparatus is rotated relative to thefirst apparatus from an insertion orientation to a locked orientationsubsequent to the inserting. The rotating causes the side slots on themating post to fixably engage with the inner locking portions of theretaining piece.

In other implementations of the current subject matter, mechanisms canbe used for securing and positioning a camera to the top of a sportsboard.

Since the inception of photography, recorders of human experience havesought ever-more-desirable imagery using interesting P.O.V (point ofview) photography/videography. The participant is often times unable toachieve desired results due to limitations in camera mounting optionsand the absence of a free hand to operate the camera.Photography/videography within board riding sports such as surfing isoften very limited due to the physically demanding nature of suchsports. Furthermore the participant is most often trying to capturetheir activity and usage of the sports board at its highest possiblelevel without the hindrance of photography based multitasking while midaction.

Along with the physical inconvenience posed in such situations, there isalso a level of danger associated with such multitasking that inherentlyincreases the level of danger to the participant. Also, the participantis often unable to stow the camera once a desired image has been taken.More often than not, this athlete/surfer would preferred to be able tocapture such images without the need to physically touch the camera orstow the camera while riding. Yet another problem faced during POV-basedphotography within board sports such as surfing, is the inability toraise the camera viewing level to a desired height and angle off themounting surface of the sports board. Without such abilities, theparticipant is very limited in the imagery options available to him/her.For the purposes of this document, and for ease of description, suchsporting boards may be referred instance of a “surfboard” and theactivity of “surfing.”

Given the challenges faced within the realm of board sports-based P.O.V(point of view) photography stated above, most participants choose notto attempt such photography themselves and rely on others to do so forthem. However positioning a photographer/videographer in the situationsencountered during these board sports activities is often dangerous toboth parties and the “second person” perspective is very limiting to theimage capturing capabilities. It is also impossible in many cases, toreplicate the first person point of view when using a secondaryphotographer/videographer.

Consistent with descriptions herein, a camera mounting system can beincorporated within a “grip pad” which is very common and already foundon many sports boards to date. Grip pads are typically placed on sportsboards due to the fact that the direct surface of the existing sportsboard is not adequate for sufficient grip to the user. Due to thelimited space on such sports boards, the current subject matter combinesa camera mounting element within a version of one of these grip pads toallow the user to capture desired images while also functioning in thesame way as a typical grip pad.

Some implementations of the current subject matter relate to mountingsystems for securing a camera to the top of a sports board and methodsfor using such systems. In some implementations, the mounting mechanismis provided in the form of a grip pad, also referred to as a “stomppad,” for use to capture imagery during a sporting activity beingperformed by a rider of the sports board (hereinafter “board”), such asa surf board, a wakeboard, a windsurfing board, a paddle board, askateboard, or the like. The mounting systems can also include anadjustable or articulated boom or other positioning mechanism to raiseand lower the camera viewing position, and/or to change the viewingangle per the user's preference.

FIGS. 47A and 47B are a top-down view and a side view, respectively ofan implementation of a board grip camera mount 4700, in accordance withsome implementations. The board grip camera mount 4700 includes a grippad 4702 configured to attach to a sports board (e.g. a surfboard, askate board, a paddle board, or the like), and a pad mount 4704 that isintegrated with (e.g. provided on, to or with) the grip pad 4702. Thepad mount 4704 includes a mounting cavity 4706 that is sized and adaptedto receive a camera boom (not shown) on which a camera can be mounted,positioned and aligned. The mounting cavity 4706 can also include one ormore mounting mechanisms 4708 to or on which the camera boom can beconnected and affixed for fixedly mounting the camera boom and camera toa top surface (e.g. a surface upon which a user stands, sits, orotherwise rides) of a sports board.

In some implementations, the grip pad 4702 can be any flexible orcompressible material, or even a rigid material with a gripping contouror surface, such as polyurethane or other polymer or synthetic material.The grip pad 4702 can be made of rubber, foam, or plastic, or any othermaterial that can be formed in a substantially planar surface. Thesurface area of the grip pad 4702 can be between several square inches,to one or more square feet. The grip pad 4702 and/or pad mount 4704 caninclude any number or type of surface features such as divots, channels,protrusions, or the like, and can also have any color or surfaceornamentation.

The pad mount 4704 is preferably a raised or extended portion from theplanar grip pad 4702. In some implementations, however, the pad mount4704 and grip pad 4702 are contiguous or integrated, in a unitaryfashion, such that the grip pad 4702 represents only the interface tothe board, while the pad mount 4704 extends up from the grip pad 4702.The pad mount 4704 can be raised slightly from the grip pad, i.e.several millimeters, or can extend to a substantially greater heightabove the grip pad, i.e., several centimeters or inches. In somepreferred implementations, the pad mount 4704 has a height above thegrip pad 4702 in order to support a mounting cavity 4706 that is atleast 47 inch in depth.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 47C, the mounting cavity 4706can be oriented into the pad mount 4704 at an angle so that at least aportion of an interior wall of the mounting cavity is greater than 47inch. This arrangement provides an increased or maximized surface areaof the mounting cavity 4706 interior wall to support a larger area ofouter surface of at least a proximal portion of the camera boom.

The mounting mechanism 4708 can include one or more of a screw, a bolt,a pin, a latch, a clip, a lock, a friction fit, threading on theinterior wall of the mounting cavity 4706, orientation guides orindentations or ridges, grooves and corresponding teeth between themounting cavity and the insertable portion of the camera boom, or thelike, or any combination thereof. Still other types and numbers ofmounting mechanisms 4708 can be used. The mounting mechanism 4708receives and stabilizes the camera boom within the mounting cavity 4706,and preferably maintains the camera boom 158 at a particular angle,position and/or orientation. In some implementations, the mountingmechanism 4708 is dynamically configurable or adjustable, providing auser with a number of options of positioning, angle and/or orientation.When not in use, i.e., when not occupied by a portion of a camera boom,the mounting cavity 4706 can include a plug or seal (not shown).

FIG. 48A shows an exploded view, and FIG. 48B shows an assembled view,of a board grip camera mount 4700 that adheres to, mounts on, or isotherwise affixed to a board 4800. The board grip camera mount 4700includes a pad mount for receiving a camera boom 158 to position andalign a camera 102 at a desired position and orientation, for providinga desired point-of-view (POV) of the camera 102 to a rider of the board4800. The POV is uniquely aft of the board 4800, and further behind therider than a POV of a hand-held camera by the rider, or by otherconventional mounting mechanisms. Further, the board grip camera mount4700 supports and allows the use of boom 158 of a configurable length,so as to provide any number of positions and orientations for the camera102.

In some implementations, the camera boom 158 is cylindrical, andtherefore the mounting cavity 4706 is also cylindrical. However, thecamera boom 158, or at least the portion of the camera boom 158 that isinsertable into the mounting cavity 4706 of the pad mount of the boardgrip camera mount 4700, can have any cross section. In someimplementations, the cross section is multi-sided, and where themounting cavity also is multi-sided so as to accommodate the cameraboom, whether or not in any particular orientation. For example, theinsertable portion of the camera boom 158 can have a tear-drop crosssection, the point of which corresponds to a point within the mountingcavity to receive the insertable portion of the camera boom 158 at aparticular orientation.

In yet other implementations, the camera boom 158 can include a numberof articulating joints, such as ball joints, hinges, or other types ofjoints, and can include any type of connector to the camera. In someimplementations, the camera boom 158 and/or pad mount can include abreak-away feature that disengages the camera boom 158 from the boardgrip camera mount 4700 if a threshold of pressure is applied to eitherthe camera or the camera boom 158, i.e., if a board rider “wipes out”and knocks against the camera or camera boom 158.

FIG. 49A and FIG. 49B illustrate one implementation of a board gripcamera mount assembly 4900, having an adhesive layer 4902 for adhering apad mount 4904 to a board, and to a grip pad 4906. The pad mount 4904includes a mounting cavity 4905, and can be formed of a rigid orpartially rigid material, such as metal, plastic, nylon, carbon fiber,high-density rubber, or the like. The grip pad 4906 fits over the padmount 4904 and includes a pad mount cavity 4907 that receives and atleast partially covers the pad mount 4904.

FIG. 50 illustrates a mounting mechanism for mounting a camera 102 on acamera boom 158, in accordance with implementations described herein. Itwill be readily understood that any of the connecting structuresdiscussed elsewhere in this disclosure can be used for connecting acamera 102 to a camera boom 158. Additionally a remote control device104 that wirelessly operates the camera 102 can be integrated into ahand-held device 100 consistent with the current subject matter. Such anapproach can be useful even when the camera is not directly attached tothe hand-held device 100 in that the various connection options of thehand-held device can allow for attachment of a leash or tie via which auser can more securely retain possession of the remote control device104 even in the event of a fall, a crash, etc. FIG. 51 illustrates analternative shape 5100 of a board grip camera mount. FIG. 52 showsanother mounting mechanism 5200 for mounting a camera on a camera boom158.

FIG. 53A and FIG. 53B illustrates features of a connector piece usablein conjunction with board mounted implementations of the current subjectmatter. A user using a camera mounted in a manner consistent with theprevious discussions of board mounts may perform one or more high speedor potentially dangerous activities while the camera is mounted in thismanner. Such activities can pose a risk that a loss of control of theboard by the user might result in a body part of the user colliding withthe camera boom 158. If the camera boom is rigidly and securely attachedto a grip pad 4702 or other mounting feature, such a collision, or anyother actions that causes one or more an impact, compressive, orexpansive force could result in injury to the user and/or damage to thecamera boom 158, the sports board, the grip pad or pad mount, or eventhe camera.

Accordingly, it can be desirable for the camera boom to include apreferred breakaway point 5300 that is structurally weaker than aremainder of the camera boom and of the spacer part such that the cameraboom 158 would break off from rigid attachment to the grip pad 4702 orother mounting feature at the preferred breakaway point 5300 if astressing force exceeds a threshold for the preferred breakaway point5300. The preferred breakaway point 5300 can advantageously be includedin a spacer part 5302, which can be connectable between a rigid cameraboom 158 and the grip pad 4702 or other mounting feature. FIG. 53A showsan example of a spacer part 5302 consistent with implementations of thecurrent subject matter and including a preferred breakaway point 5300.In this example, the preferred breakaway point 5300 includes a taperedsection whose cross-sectional area (and therefore bending resistance) isless than a remainder of the spacer part 5302 and of the camera boom158. The spacer part 5302 can include connectors at both ends, which canoptionally be any kind of connector similar to those described herein aswell as other functional equivalents. In the example of FIG. 53A andFIG. 53B, the spacer part can include a threaded socket on one end (notshown) and a threaded post 114 on the other such that one end of thespacer part screws onto a threaded post or into a threaded socket on orin the grip pad 4702 or other mounting feature and the other end of thespacer part screws into a threaded socket or onto a threaded post in oron the camera boom 158.

Also shown in FIG. 53A and FIG. 53B is an example of a leash or tieretainer 5304 that can be used conjunction with the spacer part 5302having the preferred breakaway point 5300. In use, a first ring 5306 ofthe leash or tie retainer 5304 can be positioned concentrically with anaxis running through the spacer part 5302 and the camera boom 158 andbetween the spacer part 5302 and the camera boom 158 such that when thespacer part 5302 and the camera boom 158 are connected to one another,the leash or tie retainer 5304 is secured between them. A second ring orloop 5310 of the leash or tie retainer 5304 can receive and be securedto a first end of leash, a tie, or some other flexible connector, whichcan at a second end be secured to the board, a body part of the user,the grip pad 4702 or other mounting feature, etc. such that if thespacer part 5302 breaks at the preferred breakaway point 5300, thecamera boom 158 and a camera attached to its other remain in flexibleconnection to either the board or to the user and is therefore lesslikely to become lost or damaged.

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at leastone of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list ofelements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of twoor more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitlycontradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intendedto mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any ofthe recited elements or features in combination with any of the otherrecited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one ofA and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intendedto mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similarinterpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items.For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more ofA, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in theclaims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that anunrecited feature or element is also permissible.

The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do notrepresent all implementations consistent with the subject matterdescribed herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent withaspects related to the described subject matter. Although a fewvariations have been described in detail herein, other modifications oradditions are possible. In particular, further features and/orvariations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. Forexample, the implementations described above can be directed to variouscombinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/orcombinations and sub-combinations of one or more features further tothose disclosed herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted in theaccompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily requirethe particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. The scope of the following claims may include otherimplementations or embodiments.

1. An apparatus comprising: a hand-held device configured to be held ina hand; a first mounting feature for connecting at least one cameracomponent to the hand-held device; a second mounting feature forintegrating a remote control device for wirelessly operating a camerawith the hand-held device; an actuation control that, when operated by afinger of the hand in which the hand-held device is held, causes acapture button on the remote control device to be actuated to cause thecamera to capture one or more photographs or to stop or start capturingvideo and/or audio footage.
 2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein thefirst mounting feature comprises: a socket structure on the hand-helddevice, the socket structure comprising a retaining piece, the retainingpiece comprising opposing inner locking portions that are disposedapproximately orthogonally to an axis of the socket structure; and amating post on the at least one camera component, the mating postcomprising side slots along two opposing sides of the mating post, theside slots on the mating post fixably engaging with the inner lockingportions of the retaining piece when the mating post is inserted intothe socket structure at least approximately in parallel to the axis ofthe socket structure and the at least one camera component issubsequently rotated from an insertion orientation to a lockedorientation.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the hand-held devicefurther comprises one or more grooves on a first surface into which thesocket structure is set, the at least one camera component comprises oneor more guide pins on a second surface that comes into contact with thefirst surface when the hand-held device and the at least one cameracomponent are connected, and the one or more guide pins slide within theone or more grooves as the at least one camera component is rotated fromthe insertion orientation to a locked orientation, the one or more guidepins and the one or more grooves cooperating to restrain an angle ofrotation of the at least one camera component relative to the hand-helddevice to a locking angle.
 4. An apparatus as in claim 2, wherein thefirst mounting feature further comprises a locking bar configured torestrict rotation of the at least one camera component from the lockedorientation to the insertion orientation unless the locking bar ismanipulated to disengage a locking feature on the locking bar from alocking receiving feature on the hand-held device.
 5. An apparatus as inclaim 2, wherein the first mounting feature allows two oppositeorientations of the at least one camera component relative to thehand-held device.
 6. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the at leastone camera component comprises the camera.
 7. An apparatus as claim 1,wherein the at least one camera component comprises at least one of acamera boom, a side grip, a suitcase grip, and a pole device.
 8. Anapparatus as in claim 1, wherein the second mounting feature forintegrating the remote control device comprises a remote controlcompartment accessible by a hinged door on a side of the hand-helddevice, the remote control compartment being sized and shaped to acceptthe remote control device.
 9. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein thesecond mounting feature for integrating the remote control devicecomprises a retaining clip disposed at an end of the hand-held deviceand that secures the remote control device with a front face of theremote control device facing toward a body of the hand-held device. 10.An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the second mounting feature forintegrating the remote control device comprises computer circuitry thatimplements the remote control device functionality as part of thehand-held device.
 11. An apparatus as in claim, wherein the actuationcontrol comprises a trigger button configured to be pressed by an indexfinger of the hand in which the hand-held device is configured to beheld.
 12. An apparatus as in claim 11, wherein the actuation controlfurther comprises a mechanical arm that is deflected or moved upon thetrigger button being depressed, the mechanical arm pressing the capturebutton on the remote control device.
 13. An apparatus as in claim 1,wherein the camera comprises a GoPro® camera.
 14. A method comprising:connecting, using a first mating feature, at least one camera componentto a hand-held device configured to be held in a user's hand, thehand-held device further comprising a second mounting feature thatintegrates a remote control device for wirelessly operating a camerawith the hand-held device; holding the hand-held device in the user'shand; and operating an actuation control by a finger of the user's hand,the operating causing a capture button on the remote control device tobe actuated to cause the camera to capture one or more photographs or tostop or start capturing video and/or audio footage.
 15. A method as inclaim 14, wherein the at least one camera component comprises thecamera.
 16. A connector system comprising: a socket structure on a firstapparatus to be joined to a second apparatus, the socket structurecomprising a retaining piece, the retaining piece comprising opposinginner locking portions that are disposed approximately orthogonally toan axis of the socket structure; and a mating post on the secondapparatus, the mating post comprising side slots along two opposingsides of the mating post, the side slots on the mating post fixablyengaging with the inner locking portions of the retaining piece when themating post is inserted into the socket structure at least approximatelyin parallel to the axis of the socket structure and the second apparatusis subsequently rotated from an insertion orientation to a lockedorientation.
 17. A connector system as in claim 16, wherein the firstapparatus further comprises one or more grooves on a first surface intowhich the socket structure is set, the second apparatus comprises one ormore guide pins on a second surface that comes into contact with thefirst surface when the first apparatus and second apparatus areconnected using the connector system, and the one or more guide pinsslide within the one or more grooves as the second apparatus is rotatedfrom the insertion orientation to a locked orientation, the one or moreguide pins and the one or more grooves cooperating to restrain an angleof rotation of the second apparatus relative to the first apparatus to alocking angle.
 18. A connector system as in claim 17, wherein rotationof the second apparatus from the locked orientation to the insertionorientation disengages the inner locking portions of the retainingpieces from the side slots such that the mating post can be removed fromthe socket structure. 19-24. (canceled)